1. Combine the flour, yeast, and salt in a bowl, mix. Add 1 cup warm water and oil and mix until the mixture forms a ball and is slightly sticky to the touch. If the ball is shaggy and sticks to the bowl, add 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until it comes away easily from the bowl. If too crumbly, add more water.

2. Turn the dough onto a floured work surface and knead by hand for few seconds to form a smooth round dough ball. Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for 1-2 hours until the dough doubles in size. Our house is kept pretty chilly, so I prefer to let it rise for 2 hours.

After rising

3. After the first rise, cut the dough in half. If you only want one pizza (serves generally 2 people) then you can put one dough ball in the freezer in plastic wrap or a zipper bag, for up to a month. With the dough you want to use, roll each piece into a round ball, about a quarter inch thick. Put each ball on a lightly floured surface, sprinkle with flour, and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let rest until they puff slightly about 20-30 minutes. Get your oven preheating to 500 F.

4. Once your oven is heated you can transfer the dough to a lightly oiled baking sheet. Brush a light layer of olive oil on the top of the dough. Add the sauce and spread on the dough. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and your toppings.

5. Bake at 500 F for 8-12 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown. Enjoy!

Optional: If you have a medium-sized cast iron skillet, you can do a more deep dish pizza. After rolling out the dough, place it in the skillet, like a pie pan. Let rise there for 20-30 minutes, then put your toppings on. Before putting in the oven, heat the skillet for 3-5 minutes over medium heat to set the dough. Then bake for 8-12 minutes.

Why "The Shire Farm"?

“Hobbits have been living and farming in the four Farthings of the Shire for many hundreds of years quite content to ignore and be ignored by the world of the Big Folk. Middle-earth being, after all, full of strange creatures beyond count Hobbits must seem of little importance being neither renowned as great warriors nor counted among the very wise.

In fact, it has been remarked by some that Hobbits' only real passion is for food.

A rather unfair observation as we have also developed a keen interest in the brewing of ales and the smoking of pipe-weed.

But where our hearts truly lie is in peace and quiet and good, tilled earth. For all Hobbits share a love of things that grow. And, yes, no doubt to others, our ways seem quaint. But today of all days, it is brought home to me, it is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.”